BMW 3 Series: Complete Buying Guide

The BMW 3 Series has been the benchmark for luxury sedans for many years, combining performance, comfort, and technology into a refined whole. For 2024, the model line includes two flagship models in India: the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine and the BMW M340i xDrive.

BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine is for those who want luxury with an extended wheelbase, plush and luxurious interiors, and a relaxed rear seat experience. The BMW M340i xDrive, on the other hand, is the sports variant that delivers raw performance thanks to the beast six-cylinder engine, xDrive all-wheel drivetrain, and M-exclusive accessories.

In this buying guide, we will help you decide whether or not you should buy a BMW 3 Series.

Check out the best used luxury BMW cars in India.

BMW 3 Series Specifications

BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine and BMW M340i xDrive are very different in terms of performance and utility. Here’s a comparison of their major specs: 

BMW 3 Series Engine and Transmission
Engine	2.0L TwinPower Turbo Petrol	2.0L TwinPower Turbo Diesel	3.0L TwinPower Turbo Inline-6 Petrol
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-Speed Steptronic Sport Automatic
Power	258 hp @ 5000-6500 rpm	190 hp @ 4000 rpm	369 hp @ 5500-6500 rpm
Torque	400 Nm @ 1550-4400 rpm	400 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm	500 Nm @ 1900-5000 rpm
Mileage	15.39 kmpl	19.61 kmpl	13.02 kmpl
BMW 3 Series Dimensions
Length	4823 mm and 4709 mm for the M340i xDrive edition
Width	1827 mm
Height	1441mm
Wheelbase	2961 mm
Boot Space	480 Litres
BMW 3 Series Safety Features
Airbags	8 airbags standard
ABS with EBD	Standard
Rear Parking Sensors	Standard
Parking Camera	Standard
360-Degree Camera	Standard
All-Wheel Disc Brakes	Standard
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard
Hill Hold Assist	Standard
Hill Descent Control	Standard
BMW 3 Series Key Features
Rear Parking Sensors & Camera	Standard
Heads-Up Display (HUD)	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Available in the top trim

BMW 3 Series Variants

The BMW 3 Series lineup in India consists of multiple variants across the Gran Limousine and M340i xDrive models.

Variant	Engine	Transmission	Price (Rs.)
330Li M Sport (Base Model – Petrol)	2.0L Turbo-Petrol (1998 cc)	8-Speed Steptronic Automatic	Rs.60.60 Lakh*
320Ld M Sport (Diesel Variant)	2.0L Turbo-Diesel (1995 cc)	8-Speed Steptronic Automatic	Rs.62.00 Lakh*
330Li M Sport Pro (Premium Petrol Variant)	2.0L Turbo-Petrol (1998 cc)	8-Speed Steptronic Automatic	Rs.62.60 Lakh*
320Ld M Sport Pro (Top Diesel Variant)	2.0L Turbo-Diesel (1995 cc)	8-Speed Steptronic Automatic	Rs.65.00 Lakh*
M340i xDrive (High-Performance M Model)	3.0L Turbo-Petrol (2998 cc), 6-cylinder	8-Speed Steptronic Sport Automatic	Rs.73.50 Lakh*

Best BMW 3 Series Variant to Buy

If you want the optimal combination of features, luxury, and price, the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine 330Li M Sport Pro (Petrol) is the most value-for-money model.

• It retains the strong 2.0L turbo-petrol engine, which gives energetic performance and returns greater fuel efficiency than the M340i.
• The Gran Limousine is feature-loaded and provides a great driving experience with larger infotainment, luxury trim, and more technology.
• The long wheelbase has even greater comfort, particularly for rear occupants.

But if you are a driving enthusiast seeking the most exciting drive, the BMW M340i xDrive is unmatched in terms of performance, handling, and driving dynamics. It’s much faster and more rewarding to drive than the Gran Limousine, but at a higher cost.

BMW 3 Series Warranty & Service Cost

Warranty Coverage

BMW provides a range of warranty programs for the 3 Series series, providing owner reassurance in the long term.

• Standard Warranty: 2 years / unlimited km
• Extended Warranty Plans: up to 5 years / unlimited km (optional additional cost)

BSI (BMW Service Inclusive) Packages by BMW cover maintenance and service costs for a given period for your car.

5-Year Service Costs (Estimated)

• BMW M340i xDrive: Rs.1,31,764 (5 years)
• BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine 330i: Rs.1,07,643 (5 years)

The Gran Limousine is less expensive in terms of maintenance, perfect for anyone looking for quality but not-so-expensive luxury. The M340i, being a sports car, also comes with relatively higher service costs, primarily because of its bigger engine and upgraded components.

Pros of the BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is the gold standard for luxury sedans that combines the best of sportiness, luxury, and technology. Be it the long-wheelbase Gran Limousine or the high-performance M340i xDrive, each offers something special that aligns with various buyer interests. Let’s explore the pros of the 2024 BMW 3 Series.

1. Unequaled Rear-Seat Comfort in the Gran Limousine

For rear space comfort and legroom, the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine (GL) offers the best within its class. Not only does the Gran Limousine ride 110 mm longer than the regular 3 Series, but its class-leading rear legroom of 2,961 mm is also one of a kind.

The increased wheelbase increases the ride comfort and allows for effortless long rides. The rear passengers experience more cushioning and a longer seat base that offers a reclined posture and increased thigh support.

BMW has also tuned the Gran Limousine’s suspension to be more relaxed and comfortable, perfect for chauffeur-driven buyers. Other goodies on offer are soft-close doors, a panoramic sunroof, Vernasca premium leather trim, and multi-zone climate control for first-class convenience.

If you find yourself frequently traveling with family or simply desire a rear-seat-focused luxury sedan, the Gran Limousine is the closest you can get to the 5 Series territory.

2. Exhilarating Performance in the M340i xDrive

For performance enthusiasts, the BMW M340i xDrive is the best sports sedan below Rs.80 lakh. The 3.0L inline-six, twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine generates a massive power of 369 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Paired with the xDrive AWD technology and Launch Control, the car goes from 0-100 kmph in 4.4 seconds, the quickest in class.

The M Sport Differential, Adaptive M Suspension, and variable sport steering provide the ultimate handling and agility to make sure you feel like you’re driving a race-track car. Unlike the competition, the M340i xDrive maintains BMW’s traditional rear-biased driving dynamics for an exhilarating, driver-centric drive.

The M Performance Exhaust System provides the vehicle with a powerful, sporty exhaust note that will definitely turn a lot of heads in India.

If you enjoy driving hard, the M340i xDrive is as close to an M3 as you can get without emptying your pockets.

3. Cutting-Edge Technology & Driver Assistance

The Gran Limousine and the M340i xDrive are equipped with all the latest technology and driver assistance features you would expect from BMW. BMW’s iDrive 8.0 infotainment system is among the most intuitive and feature-loaded infotainment systems in this segment.

Plus, the beautiful 14.9-inch curved screen touchscreen display matches perfectly with the 12.3-inch digital cockpit instrument cluster. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, and even gesture control to make in-car operation convenient.

Besides, BMW Live Cockpit Professional provides real-time vehicle information, navigation, and premium graphics that adjust according to driving conditions.

For convenience and safety, the BMW 3 Series also comes with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Dynamic Cruise Control make highway driving a cakewalk, while Parking Assistant Plus, with a 360-degree view, makes parking in small spaces super easy.

Moreover, the Heads-Up Display (HUD) shows important driving information on the windshield so that the driver can remain focused on the road. These advanced features make the BMW 3 Series stand apart both in convenience and safety.

Cons of the BMW 3 Series

Although the BMW 3 Series offers incredible driving, luxury, and technology, it also has its fair share of flaws. Buyers should consider these as part of their buying journey, too. The cons vary in the different models, whether it’s the standard 330i, Gran Limousine, or the performance-oriented M340i xDrive. Some of the most significant flaws of this luxury vehicle are described below.

1. Stiffer Ride Quality in the M340i xDrive

One of the main cons of the BMW 3 Series is its stiff ride quality, especially in the base 330i and M340i xDrive variants. BMW always has its focus on sporty handling but at the expense of a more rigid suspension setup that is harsh on bad or bumpy roads. The entry-level 3 Series, particularly with run-flat tires, will make you feel the road imperfections in the interior. You’ll feel the bumps and the harshness of the road at lower speeds and bumpy roads.

The M340i xDrive features Adaptive M Suspension that has been fine-tuned for stability and high-speed dynamics at the corners. However, it compromises the ride comfort. The ride is a lot more harsh overall, particularly in India where potholes and speed breakers are a normal part of roads.

2. Interior Design Feels Familiar & Lacks the ‘Wow’ Factor

While the BMW 3 Series has been introducing tremendous technology overhauls, interior design isn’t something that has changed by much. The curved Display and iDrive 8.0 interface are forward-looking features, but the entire dashboard layout is mostly similar to the interior of earlier and older BMWs.

And since BMW removed the old-style gear lever for a toggle switch, it has also been a point of controversy, some like its futuristic looks, while others miss the tactile feedback of a proper gear lever. Although cabin trim is as premium as possible, the hard plastics on lower door panels and dashboards in a car priced this high still feel odd.

Summary

The BMW 3 Series remains among the top luxury sedans in India. You can have performance, luxury, or a mix of both, depending on your requirements. The BMW 3 Series is best when it comes to handling, technology, and prestige of the brand, and the Gran Limousine variant provides more space and comfort for those who prefer to be chauffeured.

But if you value ride comfort, more rear-seat luxury, or lower maintenance, consider other alternatives like the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4. Consider the pros and cons of the BMW 3 series yourself and then make your decision.

FAQs